30-Sep-1947 - 12-Nov-2023
In Loving Memory of Lynda Jane (Knowles) Walkden
Our beloved Lynda: Nana, stepmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, November 12th, at the age of 76. She leaves behind her a legacy of love, a lifetime of cherished memories and a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her.
Born in Toronto on September 30th, 1947, Lynda was proudly adopted by the Reverend Emerson Knowles and wife Elsie, completing their family by giving their sweet son Allan, a little sister. A transfer from Sturgeon Falls, Ontario led the family to the village of Powassan. Embraced with open arms there, they began a wonderful new chapter in their lives. During this time, Lynda made meaningful new friendships. Her childhood friend Ruth Bruce was with her until the end, visiting Midland often and caring for her with love.
Life changed with the family’s next move to Bolton. After completing his education, Allan left Bolton for work and Lynda began the educational training that would lead her to one of her loves, teaching. Her career spanned 33 years with the Etobicoke School Board and with York University. She looked at each teaching assignment as a challenge and a gift. With kindness and patience, she left a lasting impression on her students and, by extension, their families who were often newcomers to Canada. Many of Lynda’s colleagues became lifelong friends. Suzanne, Angela and Naomi travelled and dined with Lynda. She became an addition to the Emmett family, enjoying times with her “girly whirlies”, Sarah and Laura.
Lynda had a zest for life and loved to travel with her friends. Each adventure was marked with a trinket, jewelry, artwork or a scarf. She often talked of her favourite trip to Tahiti with the “two Jans”. But there were many others! Despite her career, trips with friends and making a life for herself, Lynda remained close to her parents, visiting often and caring for them both in later years.
As retirement approached, Lynda took one last teaching assignment which would change her life forever! Lynda and Wayne were married in 2003 at Gloucester Pool where they had begun their life together. A move to Midland in 2006 brought them to their lovely home overlooking Little Lake. Here they continued the traditions of entertaining family and friends, new and old, including Thanksgiving meals with Suzanne and George, coffee in the kitchen/lounge, weekend visits with the McKay, Dunn and Cauz families, beverages on the Lido or an after-concert soirée on the deck!
Lynda’s love of music and singing brought another group into her life. She was a member of the VOX Huronia Community Choir, the Just Attitude Choir and sang with the choir of First Presbyterian Church in Penetanguishene. It was through these connections that Lynda met her best friend and “Sissy”, Vicki.
Everywhere Lynda went, her kindness, compassion and generosity shone through. She had a heart that radiated warmth, a smile that could light up a room, a sense of humour that brightened all those she met and a devotion to her family and friends that never faltered. Lynda is survived by her brother Allan Knowles (Jackie), nephews Michael and Wayne Knowles, stepdaughter Lisa Dunn (Christopher), granddaughters Sammy and Gemma, stepdaughter Krista Cauz (Joshua), grandsons Graydon and Elliot, niece Leigh McKay and nephew Steve Walkden.
She will be missed terribly by her friends from far and wide, among them Suzanne Smith and George Dixon, Naomi and Bob Emmett, Angela DiCarlo, Mary Skinner and BFF Vicki.
As we say our final goodbye to Lynda, let us find comfort in the beautiful memories we share, cherish the profound impact she had on our lives and carry her spirit with us forever in our hearts. May she be for all of us a source of inspiration and abiding love.
Lynda was so grateful, as are we, for visits and dinners, tea from Tim’s, bouquets from your gardens, treats and the ongoing outpouring of love and help which allowed her to remain in her home. It is with profound gratitude and love that we thank Tammy Brown for all she made possible by coming into Lynda’s life.
Tammy’s professionalism and dedication to Lynda’s care allowed Lynda to remain in the home she loved so much until just weeks ago. Tammy’s care, love and willingness to help in any possible way made it easier for all of us. Lynda loved her.
On Saturday, December 2nd, we will celebrate Lynda’s life in First Presbyterian Church, Penetanguishene, at 2 pm. The church is located at 20 Robert St. East (corner of Harriet). Parking is available in the lot on the east side of Harriet.
In lieu of flowers Lynda wished donations to be made to the First Presbyterian Church Kitchen Reno fund or to Hospice Huronia, Tomkins House, Penetanguishene where she was so well cared for during her last weeks. The service will be followed by a reception downstairs in the church hall.
Arrangements entrusted to LeClair Cremation Centre
